ACES - Graham Farm & Nature Center

04/20/2026

Careers with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System offers more than a job, it provides a pathway to meaningful public service.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System provides careers rooted in service. Through Extension, people work directly with Alabama communities, farmers, families, schools and businesses

04/18/2026

As we wrap up Extension Does That Week, we are reminded of something true in every county across Alabama: the Alabama Cooperative Extension System stands ready to serve you at every stage of life. From supporting our youngest learners to empowering our elders, ACES is here, rooted in community, driven by research, and committed to improving lives. Extension does that, and we’re honored to walk alongside you. From our Extension Family to yours, wishing you & yours a wonderful day.

04/17/2026

Extension Does that - Employee Spotlight

Today, we’re shining the employee spotlight on Jon Nemati, who has been an important part of the Graham Farm & Nature Center team for the past three years. Jon first became acquainted with Extension work during his time as a Research Assistant with Texas A&M University, where his interest in Extension work took root.

At GFNC, Jon’s responsibilities include groundskeeping, but his role extends far beyond maintaining the property. As our Wildlife Educator, Jon has a gift for sparking curiosity, especially when it comes to critters most people tend to shy away from! Whether he’s leading a nature hike or sharing his popular critter programs, Jon helps others see the beauty, purpose, and wonder in the creatures that often go unnoticed.

Jon’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to connect people with the natural world make him an invaluable part of the GFNC team.

Extension Does That — and so does Jon!

04/16/2026

Extension Does That - Employee Spotlight

If you’ve spent any time at Graham Farm & Nature Center, you’ve likely seen Will hard at work mowing, trimming, clearing trails, or keeping the grounds looking their best. For the past six years, he has served as a part‑time groundskeeper, bringing steady dedication and a strong work ethic to every corner of the property.

But Will’s Extension connection goes back even further. As one of our former 4‑H’ers, he grew up learning responsibility, teamwork, and hands‑on skills. Those early experiences shaped the care and pride he brings to his work today.

What makes Will especially unique is his love of history. Whether he’s sharing a fun fact, talking about a historical figure, or connecting the past to the present, he brings a spark of curiosity to the farm. It’s not unusual to catch him chatting about ancient civilizations, famous leaders, or the stories behind the land itself, all while riding a mower or tending the grounds.

Will helps keep GFNC beautiful, welcoming, and full of life. His blend of hard work, funny stories, and curiosity makes him a valued part of our team and a familiar, friendly presence for visitors of all ages. Extension Does That — and so does Will!

04/15/2026

Extension Does That — Employee Spotlight

As we continue to celebrate Alabama Cooperative Extension Week, we’re excited to introduce the dedicated staff who make the Graham Farm & Nature Center such a meaningful place for learning, exploration, and community connection.

Today, we’re proud to feature Donna Sands, who has been part of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for more than 18 years. Donna began her Extension journey as an in-school 4-H Agent, managing over 25 clubs each school year as a part-time agent. Her passion for youth development, hands-on learning, and community engagement eventually led her to her current full-time role at GFNC as Program Coordinator and Administrative Specialist.

Donna brings a big heart to everything she does, for people, for nature, and for animals. She is a steady leader, a creative educator, and someone who makes visitors and coworkers alike feel welcomed and supported. Her love for this work shines through with every program she helps build and every experience she helps shape at the farm.

We’re sharing a fun, character-style photo that captures Donna’s spirit: love of the outdoors, her organization, her adventurous nature, and her always-ready willingness to bring learning to life.

At Graham Farm & Nature Center, Donna reminds us every day that Extension Does That.

04/14/2026

As we celebrate Alabama Cooperative Extension Week, we’re excited to introduce the dedicated staff who make the Graham Farm & Nature Center such a meaningful place for learning, discovery, and community connection.

Today, we’re proud to feature Mr. Themika L. Sims, Director of GFNC, who has an incredible 35 years of experience with ACES. Extension was his first job, and it became his lifelong calling. From Agent in Training, to 4‑H Agent, to County Extension Coordinator, to Graham Farm Director, and now to leading the full management of Graham Farm & Nature Center, Mr. Sims has served with unwavering commitment.

His deep knowledge, steady leadership, and genuine desire to improve the lives of the people we serve are at the heart of his work ethic. Whether guiding youth, supporting families, or stewarding the land entrusted to Auburn University and ACES, he embodies what Extension is all about: practical service, people-first leadership, and a passion for helping communities grow.

And because Extension work often puts us in many roles at once, we’re sharing a fun, character-style photo that captures the spirit of Mr. Sims’ hands-on leadership here at GFNC, tools in hand, barn cats supervising, and always ready to help.
At Graham Farm & Nature Center, Mr. Sims reminds us every day that Extension Does That!

04/13/2026

Please be aware….

📢With worsening drought conditions across the state and low relative humidity, State Forester Rick Oates has issued a statewide Fire Alert effective immediately.

Over the past weekend, 50 wildfires burned more than 2,300 acres of forestland across the state. This includes a 500-acre wildfire in Mobile County, one for 412 acres in Coosa County, one for 382 acres in Choctaw County, one for 260 acres in Washington County, and another one for 105 acres in Escambia County.

In the last 30 days, 387 wildfires have burned approximately 15,850 acres of forestland across the state.

“With no measurable rain in sight, the continued extremely dry conditions create dangerous wildfire behavior,” said Oates. “These conditions create the potential for fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer and more of the agency’s firefighting resources to contain. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.”

This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at least through Monday, April 20. Conditions will be reevaluated at that time. Permits for outdoor burning will be restricted only to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets and its citizens. To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov

04/13/2026

Save the Date! Extension Week is coming April 12–18.

This is your opportunity to discover all that Extension has to offer to the people of Alabama. From gardens to groceries, families to farms, youth to community growth, and research to real-world impact—Extension provides trusted resources and programs for everyone.

Be sure to contact your local county Extension office or follow them on Facebook to see what events and activities are happening in your area during Extension Week.

Find your county Extension office page here: https://www.aces.edu/go/3266

04/09/2026

Heads Up!! These are flyers are printed and will be posted tomorrow locally.

The Paint Rock Valley Collaborative announces a Pre-Bid Meeting for General Contractors and Sub-Contractors. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15 beginning at 2:00 PM at the former Paint Rock Valley High School. An outline of the scope of Phase I and requirements for the project will be shared.

This phase initiates the revitalization and redevelopment of the former school, now an Alabama A&M University property under the Alabama Cooperative Extension System's programmatic management like here at ACES - Graham Farm & Nature Center. We are incredibly excited with our engagement with PRVC and this project. This project aims to restore and repurpose this beloved facility for renewed educational and community use. Qualified contractors are invited to attend to review the project specifications, ask questions, and prepare for the formal bidding process.

We appreciate your interest and participation as we work together to bring new life and purpose to this significant site.

04/09/2026

If we don't see you in person, we hope to see you in one of our Alabama Extension Week Webinars next week!

From April 12-18, the Alabama Extension Week Webinar Series provides 14 free webinars people can enjoy from the comfort of their own homes and workplaces.

04/07/2026

Last Tuesday we had the joy of hosting the Limestone/Madison County Master Gardners! We are grateful for the time spent together, the questions asked, the stories shared, and the way each visitor helped bring the GFNC mission to life in real time!

Here is to more days like this ..rooted in learning and blooming with possibility!